Account & access
What happens to my data if I never sign in?
Almost nothing is stored. Anonymous scans are counted against a rotating browser fingerprint purely to enforce the 5-scans-per-24-hours visitor limit. No email, no name, no account is created.
The fingerprint exists for one reason: rate-limiting. It lets the scanner remember that this browser has used its daily free scans, without knowing who you are.
If you later create a free account from the same browser, your earlier anonymous scans are not merged into your account history — activation starts a clean, personal history that belongs to you.
Scam reports you submit anonymously are tied to the same fingerprint mechanism for abuse prevention, and the public registry never shows who submitted a report.
In practice
- Visitor scans use a rotating browser fingerprint — for rate limits only.
- No email, name or account is created when you browse anonymously.
- Anonymous scans are never merged into a later account.
- The public registry never reveals who submitted a report.
Related questions
Why is there a scan limit before I sign in?
The 5-scans-per-day visitor limit stops bots and scrapers; a free account raises the limit immediately.
Is the GACS account really free?
Yes. There is no paywall on core safety features. A free account unlocks higher daily scan limits, history, watchlist and alerts. Optional paid tiers exist for continuous monitoring and family protection, but personal safety basics stay free.
Can I report a scam without an account?
Yes. The report form at /report-scam accepts anonymous submissions. Signing in only helps if you want the report tied to your account so you can track it.
See the full list on the Access FAQ page.